uncertainty

noun

un·cer·tain·ty ˌən-ˈsər-tᵊn-tē

Synonyms of uncertainty next

: the quality or state of being uncertain : doubt

: something that is uncertain

Choose the Right Synonym for uncertainty

uncertainty, doubt, dubiety, skepticism, suspicion, mistrust mean lack of sureness about someone or something.

uncertainty may range from a falling short of certainty to an almost complete lack of conviction or knowledge especially about an outcome or result.

assumed the role of manager without hesitation or uncertainty

doubt suggests both uncertainty and inability to make a decision.

plagued by doubts as to what to do

dubiety stresses a wavering between conclusions.

felt some dubiety about its practicality

skepticism implies unwillingness to believe without conclusive evidence.

an economic forecast greeted with skepticism

suspicion stresses lack of faith in the truth, reality, fairness, or reliability of something or someone.

regarded the stranger with suspicion

mistrust implies a genuine doubt based upon suspicion.

had a great mistrust of doctors

Examples of uncertainty in a Sentence

There is some uncertainty about the company's future. He accepted the position without hesitation or uncertainty.

Recent Examples on the Web President Joe Biden is facing calls from several House Democrats to abandon his re-election campaign, raising uncertainty about his political future and the wider 2024 race less than four months before Election Day. —

Max Zahn, ABC News, 9 July 2024 But uncertainty about what comes next — for Macron’s foreign policy and French politics, in general — will complicate alliance politics. —

Emily Rauhala, Washington Post, 8 July 2024 Despite the respondents’ optimism, Chambliss says uncertainty remains higher than normal. —

Ryan Hogg, Fortune, 8 July 2024 Along the Texas coast, many residents and business owners took the typical storm precautions but also expressed uncertainty about the storm’s intensity. —

Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel, 8 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for uncertainty

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'uncertainty.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of uncertainty was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Uncertainty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/uncertainty. Accessed 21 Jul. 2024.

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Kids Definition

uncertainty

noun

un·cer·tain·ty ˌən-ˈsərt-ᵊn-tē

: lack of certainty

: something that is uncertain

Last Updated: 12 Jul 2024 - Updated example sentences

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uncertainty

noun

Synonyms

Examples of uncertainty in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near uncertainty

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition